Niasse: I'm settling in very well now

Oumar Niasse says that he feels blessed despite his challenges so far at Everton, a positive outlook that has helped him finally settle at the club.

The Senegalese striker went from outcast to goal hero last month with a brace against Bournemouth that pushed the Blues on towards a welcome victory and he is looking ahead to more important contributions.

“I always take things in a positive way in my life because some things can be negative,” he says on evertonf.com, “but if you look more forward you're going to see that you have a lot more positive things in your life.

“Every time anything bad happens, I say that good things will happen soon. That helps me to always believe in myself and believe in what I'm doing.”

His introduction to life in the Premier League was like a baptism by fire, his transition from Russia to the Continent's toughest league proving to be a hard one during the final weeks of Roberto Martinez's Goodison tenure.

Niasse says that it was still easier than his first forays beyond Africa in the Turkish and Russian leagues and he credits the welcoming atmosphere at Everton for that.

“I remember when I arrived, Aaron [Lennon] was always every day asking ‘If there's anything you need, call me,'. At Everton when you arrive you can feel, before you've even been on this kind of project, that there are always people to help you settle and asking you about everything you need.

“It's not difficult when you arrive at Everton, it was much more difficult when I left to go to Russia and Turkey.

“In the future anything could happen to you and you always think this club can help you. I think the most important thing is to be ready and I have been every time. The first three or four months here were difficult but after that I've kept my mind, I've tried to settle and I think I'm settling very, very well now.”

Reader Comments (98)

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John Audsley 1Posted
12/10/2017 at
06:42:15

Good to hear, sir.

Hugh Jenkins 2Posted
12/10/2017 at
07:37:22

Good to know he is settling in. Good to know he feels the club is more supportive than other places he has played. Clear to see that Aaron Lennon is sensitive to the needs of others and also clear to see that Aaron Lennon needed to be "needed".

Sad to see that when Oumar arrived, although Aaron was a relative newcomer himself, it was he that stuck out in Oumar's mind as being the welcoming and concerned team mate, not any of the then, "established players".

We, as a club, are rightly lauded for our concern for others and EitC is the envy of most. But, sometimes we need to look inwards. Why did nobody at the club spot Aaron Lennon's distress?

As the old saying goes "charity begins at home". Hopefully this will be a story with a happy ending for all concerned.

Anthony Flack 3Posted
12/10/2017 at
07:41:52

Deep down, I still do not see it working out for him at Everton. I really hope I am wrong, and he can move from mini cult hero to being a successful striker.

Tony Cheek 4Posted
12/10/2017 at
08:01:47

I feel the same Anthony. Not overly convinced he is going to be a successful striker yet. But he deserves a chance to show us what he has got. He has been through a hard time, got his head down and finally got his break (and hopefully a locker).

If we will still be raving about him this time next season is another question. Best of luck though! Still awaiting Koeman's apology!!

Jimmy Sørheim 5Posted
12/10/2017 at
08:02:40

I agree with Anthony, he lacks technical skills, and understanding. He is an average striker; he could give 10 percent more when in form but he will never score more then 5-10 goals.

John G Davies 6Posted
12/10/2017 at
08:23:45

He's not good enough long term. Hopefully he gets a few goals and we can get a decent fee for him.

Jerome Shields 7Posted
12/10/2017 at
08:40:24

At the moment, he is the best potential prospect we have.

Colin Glassar 8Posted
12/10/2017 at
08:48:30

Agreed John. He seems a nice, well intentioned lad but he's not the 20-plus goals striker we need.

Anyone looking forward to the next game? I just feel numb and can't be bothered.

Martin Nicholls 10Posted
12/10/2017 at
09:13:28

"Project"? I wonder who his ghost writer is!

Sam Hoare 11Posted
12/10/2017 at
09:14:24

At the least, he seems a willing runner with enough athleticism to be a nuisance and has the knack of finding himself in good positions.

Him and Calvert-Lewin did not combine very well in the last match, often getting in each others way and not making space for the other. If they could work on and improve markedly on that then I see no reason why they could not contribute 20+ goals between them. That is better than nothing until we get the top level striker that we somehow completely failed to get this Summer  despite all the time in the world to plan and supposedly with the new financial resources to compete.

Paul Kennedy 12Posted
12/10/2017 at
10:27:39

It's Hobson's Choice! We really have not got many options. At least he is willing, committed, optimistic, and a trier. Really trying to come up with positives in our situation...

Michael Penley 13Posted
12/10/2017 at
10:42:12

Uh oh. The reason his performance lifted was because he wasn't settling in well. Expect him to go back to being crap now.

Anthony Jones 14Posted
12/10/2017 at
11:00:14

The rich sports star thinks being positive means good things will happen eventually.

Meanwhile, on planet Earth...

Paul Mackie 15Posted
12/10/2017 at
11:23:15

He seems a lovely bloke but I still haven't changed my opinion that's he's never going to be a world beater.

The fact that he seems to be our Lukaku replacement is an absolute disgrace.

Tony Marsh 16Posted
12/10/2017 at
11:31:10

I feel sorry for this guy. He will no doubt be thrust in to a dying team lacking in morale and cohesion. Niasse Will be a get out of jail card for Koeman. If Oumar does the business it looks like a great piece of coaching . If Oumar bombs out Koeman can say told you he wasn't good enough.

The mess we now have at Everton FC is all down to the board and the management. Is it any wonder players want out or are unhappy. Since Koeman arrived at the club the list of players who have been cold shouldered or are being badly treated is bigger than this season's points total.

Niasse, Mirallas, Barkley, Lookman, Baines, Dowell, Garbutt, Sheedy, these are the ones we know of who have had run in or been totally omitted from the setup.

Surely Kenwright can see a pattern emerging here? How long before Koeman fires Unsworth for stealing his thunder. Nothing surprises me any more at this Mickey Mouse club.

ps: Anyone on here thinking of putting money on Everton to beat Brighton on Saturday  keep your dosh in your pocket. It won't happen under this clown Koeman. We couldn't win away when we were playing half-decent last season.

I go Brighton to win easy. Sorry, lads.

Steven Astley 17Posted
12/10/2017 at
11:57:57

Tony Marsh (#16)  We won't be beating Brighton on Saturday, at least not this calendar year. We play on Sunday.

Christine Foster 18Posted
12/10/2017 at
12:22:19

Over the years, there have been a few players that we as fans have taken too, ones who simply, for one reason or another, were not good enough but my goodness they tried. The Stracq, Daniel Amokachi and now Oumar... and because they did, they won our hearts and appreciation. Alas, they won little else, but its not the point, they have a sense of humour, passion for Everton and a desire big enough to fill the Park End.

It speaks volumes that so many other players with far more ability have not a fraction of that passion or humility. Indeed if we had a manager that had, or could instill it...

No, Oumar may well not be good enough, but he has had a raw deal from the club / Koeman and there is a basic fairness about how we treat players, fans – in fact anyone at the club because we are Everton. At least I like to think they are the standards we adhere to, but I doubt that applies across the board or player management.

We (the club and by default the fans) shamed Oumar after a dismal start but there is NO excuse for how he has been treated as a senior player by the manager, none what so ever. Playing or not, he deserves respect and that has been non-existent until recently.

The Daily Mail in an article posted on ToffeeWeb recently, highlighted that when Oumar was eventually picked to play, he had no player's suit, no locker to put his gear in, I dare say now that little "oversight" has been remedied, it showed Koeman and the club in a poor light. Irrespective of his 1st team involvement, every player we buy deserves the same respect, facilities and treatment by the club and its management.

He didn't get that; we know it, he knows it, Koeman knows it and lets face it, people from Liverpool KNOW when something is not done right. That's why we smile wryly when he stuck those two goals in the other week.. it was more a case of two fingers at Koeman than a statement of what a fabulous player he is.

But he has proven he can score and has a kind and generous heart. (How many would put up with the treatment he has had?) Whilst he may not be the next Ronaldo, or Lukaku, for his time here, if he keeps sticking the ball in the net, then he will be just fine.

When his time comes to go he will have earned that little place in many hearts because he will have joined the ranks of the triers who warranted our respect as a person and for their passion for Everton.

Anto Byrne 19Posted
12/10/2017 at
12:31:17

Sell for £15mil – not good enough, sorry. More games in Calvert-Lewin and Lookman. Must have a couple of U23s ie Henen? Davies got a go down to injuries; pity some of the kids went on loan. Oh well... Koeman wants to buy, not build... then fucks off.

Simon Jones 20Posted
12/10/2017 at
12:36:51

What Christine said.

Didn't the Stracq once get a massive ovation when he was subbed? I think he punched the air.

Ray Roche 21Posted
12/10/2017 at
13:00:25

Tony Marsh (#16)

Tony, you can delete Sheedy from that list, There was an article in the papers a couple of weeks ago in which he stated that he had received an offer he couldn't refuse and that he left Everton on good terms. After he lef,t people on here were queuing up to slag Everton off, apparently without foundation. Plenty of "My mate knows someone at Finch Farm" shite.

I actually posted a link to this article to Michael and Lyndon on the hope that it would appear in full for all to see but, for some reason, it was not taken up by ToffeeWeb. See link below.

This guy deserves a run in the team. He's our top scorer! He's the only player that looked like scoring against Burnley the other week. He links well and his first touch is world class compared to Lukaku.

Neville Jones 23Posted
12/10/2017 at
13:59:41

Well said, Christine. So glad Oumar is settling down, a lovely man with some talent. He as been treated very badly and never really given a real chance.

I agree that we need to work with him in training in partnership with Lookman and Calvert-Lewin as if we decide we need new striker, it won't be until January. I agree that he has his limitations but his pace and enthusiasm can make up for that if he is made fully aware of his role in the team. A lot of our problems stem from players not really knowing what they are supposed to be doing.

I also think the same applies to Sandro who given time will prove to be good.

Anybody agree that another mistake was to let Valencia go? Koeman understandably wanted to keep Lukaku but his attitude over the last few games was awful. Enner was the only real threat at Arsenal and won us a penalty. He has pace and frequently changed matches coming on. it was clear that we were desperately in need of a striker so why was he allowed to go?

Tony Twist 24Posted
12/10/2017 at
14:42:31

He is a good impact sub but I'm not sure if he will be reliable enough to get the goals regularly for us.

What about the rumours about Bas Dost, is he any good? He looks good on YouTube but a lot of his goals are nicely set up for him; we ain't going to do that for him, are we!?!

John Otway 25Posted
12/10/2017 at
14:55:13

Ray (#21). Thanks for the link. Just unfortunate that you've let the facts cloud a typical, poorly fact-based TW whinge.

Charlie Lloyd 26Posted
12/10/2017 at
15:01:06

Anto & 19

I've seen quite a bit of the U23s and can honestly say Sambou, Henen, Dyson, Broadhead etc are still very much works in progress. When Niasse played, to be fair, he stood out, as I expected at that level he would.

I'm not suggesting Niasse is suddenly top class but he's above the current U23 crop.

Jay Harris 27Posted
12/10/2017 at
15:14:56

Well said, Ray.

I actually posted an article about that but the usual naysayers claimed he was just toeing the party line.

Phil Walling 28Posted
12/10/2017 at
15:34:24

Well put, Christine. I slagged him off with the rest but he's kept trying to justify his fee. Just hope he solves our problem  for now at least!

Tony Marsh 29Posted
12/10/2017 at
15:47:06

Ray @ 21,

Not what I heard regarding Sheedy. There were reports of on going problems between Sheedy and the boss.

Tell me, Ray were is Sheedy now? Were is this amazing offer Kevin could not refuse? Has Sheedy packed his bags for a manager's job? Has Sheedy won the Euro millions? Where could Sheedy possibly go better than here and we not know about it???

I think the article, and direct quotations from Sheedy, reduce "what you heard" to the usual barroom gossip. Have you read the article? If not, then read it. Knowledge is understanding and maybe the knowledge you glean from it may help you to understand where Sheedy is at right now.

I don't know how old you are, Tony, but have a look at the following link and marvel at one of Sheedy's contemporaries from our great 1980s side. It might even put a smile on your kipper. Or is that too much to expect...

Ray, I am 55. I been going home and away since late 1970s. Went to all the nasty dangerous places when many wouldn't dream of it.It wasn't easy staying in one piece back then and it wasn't easy watching Everton apart from the Kendall Mk 1 era.

I know all about Sheedy and big Nev, I remember Dave Lawson and Dia Davies. Seen all the shite over the years. I know plenty of people connected to Everton but won't get in to that. I sat in the Joe Mercer lounge for over 20 years. Please Ray don't question my credentials as an Evertonian. I have forgotten more than most will ever know.

Again were did Sheedy go that was so irresistible??

Michael Kenrick 34Posted
12/10/2017 at
16:41:12

Oooo, I know this one.... Err, Saudi Arabia?

I understand the women are very mysterious, but they are at least now allowed to drive.

John Otway 35Posted
12/10/2017 at
16:41:14

Tony Marsh (#33): "Please, Ray, don't question my credentials as an Evertonian. I have forgotten more than most will ever know."

Where on earth has Ray ever questioned your credentials?

He merely responded to an inaccurate statement in your posting. If you want to hand it out, you've got to be able to take it, especially when you're wrong. Please read his original link before you make yourself look even more silly.

Michael Kenrick 36Posted
12/10/2017 at
16:46:05

It is remarkable how some on here repeatedly flash their Everton 'credentials' in terms of years of unerring support to provide supposed back-up underpinning mistaken opinions. As John says, just makes you look silly.

I'm no better Blue than anyone because of that. And neither is anyone else.

Did you have the pleasure of Kenny High Street, by the way?

Tony Marsh 38Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:10:21

John @35

I don't have a problem with the debate. I took it as my age being incorrectly assumed therefore rendering my knowledge of Everton not valid. I merely stated my long connection to the the club.

Ray asked me to go read a book to find out who certain players are? I know full well who they are. I know full well the shit that goes on at this club. Like I said, seen and heard it all over the years.

Yes, Micheal, Saudi Arabia to coach a youth team? Is that worth leaving Everton for or is it financial, I wonder?

David Barks 39Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:19:39

Tony,

I don't know. You claimed to have great credentials and inside knowledge, why don't you ask them? Or do you think he's the only Brit to ever take a well paying job in the Kingdom of Saud?

Tony Marsh 40Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:19:57

John G Davies. I was at them all mate. Not proud of it now but back then it was different. All I meant by it was I'm not some wet behind the ears new age football supporter who knows nothing and talks shite.

My original point was Sheedy left for a lesser job in a non-footballing country because he had had enough at Everton. He left with pride intact and kept his mouth shut but you can't tell me Al Shabab youth is a better career opportunity than Finch Farm and EFC.

David Barks 41Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:22:25

This is what drives me crazy. There is no lack of clear, definitive evidence to use against the people running this club. Literally decades of poor decisions and poor management.

But people still steer the conversation toward conspiracy. Unless you have a quote from the man saying he was forced out, just don't. Don't muddy the waters with unsubstantiated claims. Stick to clear evidence.

John G Davies 42Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:29:29

It was certainly different, Tony! Never stopped us going back the next season though, eh, mate. 👍

I understand your frustration Tony, it's part of being a Blue. It shouldn't be but it is.

Tony Marsh 43Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:30:53

David Barks nobody here is in the dock at Crown Court mate!! It's a debating platform. I don't know were you live or were you were brought up but here on Merseyside people hear things. That's it really  some of it maybe fact but when is anything to do with football ever 100% fact??

I heard Sheedy left because he wasn't happy any more. Not sure why but I can hazard a guess.

Martin Mason 44Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:32:35

No lack of clear, definitive evidence to use against the people running this club? Could you please list the facts on this.

Many thanks.

John G Davies 45Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:35:09

Martin,

Would you trust them with your pension fund?

David Barks 46Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:39:33

Martin,

Kings Dock, Destination Kirkby, 30 years without a league title, over two decades without a single trophy, failing to buy a striker after selling our star striker, the Ross Barkley fiasco, the Gary Speed fiasco, the "McCarthy is family" joke of last Summer, the Niasse treatment...

Mark Rimmer 47Posted
12/10/2017 at
17:58:14

I like the guy but unfortunately the team has now come down to his level so he feels more comfortable, that's it. He wouldn't get a look-in in any of the top teams, but we're now as desperate as Hull were last season so suddenly he finds himself in the team.

Martin Mason 48Posted
12/10/2017 at
18:14:12

David, as I have said many times on here, Kings Dock was never going to happen in a million years as we had no money. Some was offered by Paul Gregg on unacceptable terms but it wasn't enough anyway. The fault was Kenwright promising something and us stupidly listening to him.

Destination Kirkby was stopped by the Public Enquiry because they judged that an additional retail outlet wasn't needed in the area; the club tried for a new ground and thank heavens they failed.

Not buying a striker? The only sin would have been not trying but they tried big time; the reality was that they couldn't get the quality that they demanded... nobody could.

The Ross Barkley fiasco? For this, I'd blame Ronald Koeman but he doesn't run the club. Ross wants to leave, nobody but Ross knows why. The other two items are really scraping the bottom of the barrel I'm afraid.

Let me offer the big sin that the people who run the club committed and it's really only one. They didn't have money to invest themselves and they couldn't get it externally as nobody could post 2008  but wait!! The people who run the club eventually got investment that clubs outside of the top 4 could only dream of: debts restructured, a new ground planned and big spending in the transfer window. I rate that as The Board 10, Armchair Critics 0.

Let's discuss these issues, please. For far too long, people on here seem to have accepted a fallacy-based alternative reality to what has actually happened at the club. Of course they have made mistakes, as those who run any business will, but always with the benefit of 20/20 vision and overdoses of tittle tattle. It's about time that reality reared its ugly head.

John, definitely not mate.

Alan Bodell 49Posted
12/10/2017 at
18:19:10

This guy has done all that is asked of him this season so far. Morgan Schneiderlin, over to you, mate.

Ray Roche 50Posted
12/10/2017 at
18:22:56

Tony Marsh (#33),

Tony, you have misunderstood. At no time do I question your blue "credentials"; I posted two links, one to show that Sheedy, in his own words and not those from someone "in the know", left Everton by choice to join up with Mike Newell in a very well paid post in Saudi Arabia.

The other was posted because I thought, as an Evertonian from that era, you might enjoy watching some tremendous footage of Southall in his prime.

In post #40 you also say "Al Shabab youth is (not) a better career opportunity than Finch Farm and EFC." No, it probably isn't... But, at Sheedy's age and with the health problems he has endured, the chance of a big pay day would no doubt make up for the lesser post he has taken. And do you think his CV needs any improving? I don't.

You also say that I "asked me to go read a book to find out who certain players are". No, I didn't. I asked if you had read the article in which Sheedy clearly states his reasons for leaving. If you had read, it you would not keep regurgitating your ridiculous claims.

Clearly we have both watched some garbage over the years; my match-going started in 1959 so, like you, I would love it if we could see the glory years return. But I'm not holding my breath.

Darren Hind 51Posted
12/10/2017 at
18:30:45

"We all did the chicken run"? Really?

I've lost count of the number of times I was at Upton Park, but I never saw a single Evertonian do the chicken run... I saw a couple of players run the Gauntlet.

As for those who "did" Fulham Broadway and Seven Sisters, what were they doing? Trainspotting?

Oh and the only time "we" did the North Bank was against Southampton in the semi-final.

John G Davies 52Posted
12/10/2017 at
18:46:36

You must have been one of the khasis at the back.

Martin Mason 53Posted
12/10/2017 at
19:13:50

Gents, sorry about seeming to rant. I'm passionate that's all and mean well.

Darren, sorry if I misunderstand you but Everton fans were on the North Bank at Highbury first game of the 1970 Championship season. I know because I can still feel the whacks around my head.

What made it worse was the same happened again walking down Warwick Road after beating Man Utd the following Wednesday evening. Me and my brother got set on by around a dozen United fans, but just when it looked as though we'd had it, a bunch of lads ran out of a local pub and gave the United fans a bit of their own medicine.

Darren Hind 54Posted
12/10/2017 at
19:34:16

I was there too, Martin.

I posted about the experience on here very recently... and it was 1969, by the way, not 1970  it was also long before segregation

The only time "we" filled the North Bank was in 1984... so not sure how we all, err, "did it"

Perhaps you were one of those people who did the chicken run? If so, what did it entail? And did you get kicked out for it? Were "we all" headless?

Oh and how's your knowledge of tube stations?

Dermot Byrne 55Posted
12/10/2017 at
19:44:58

Grandfather season tickets. Brill, middle of upper Bullens. Dragged to games v young. Then wanted to go. Then demanded. All the shit, all the great stuff. The violent crowd days, the ground half empty days, the ground bursting days and fun days. Shouted for us in old Stretford End once!

Then I left Merseyside and watched from Tyneside and keep moving and now won't give my cash to a Premier League scam.

So first games approx 1965. I've seen loads and can bore fore Britain with some tales.

Now just turned 57. All that makes my view better than new or young fans? Nah. It just has a different, and not necessarily more useful perspective. How I use it, I guess.

And to many fans who are new, young and the future, about as useful probably as a Brexiteer warbling on about the Empire... or a red yelling "Five!"

Will Mabon 56Posted
12/10/2017 at
19:57:53

Maybe Sheedy's words quoted in that linked article are all true, and not just diplomatic after the fact.

In a time though, when the PR section is fast out of the blocks with distraction feel-good pieces after poor performances or contentious issues, and with the many organized celebrations and support that exists for ex-players, the lack of anything from the club for a notable ex-player and long time club servant is very telling. No words of thanks, no good wishes for the future?

Whatever it was, something happened.

Will Mabon 57Posted
12/10/2017 at
20:01:42

Niasse  when at his best, he's shown enough to be a viable option, for my money. Maintaining that level will be the hard part.

Maybe he'll surprise us all, and massively improve.

Martin Mason 58Posted
12/10/2017 at
20:02:44

Darren, sorry, I said the 1970 Championship season but I do realise that the actual year was 1969.

Upton Park was one ground I never went to see Everton. Coming from Northwich, most of my mates were Man City or Man Utd fans and they always got battered there, even United with their mass following.

Raymond Fox 59Posted
12/10/2017 at
20:08:21

I just wonder if some actually have an opinion or do they just follow the majority judgement? I fancy its the later in too many cases.

I love the attitude of Niasse. The bloody country needs an injection of it big time.

As for the team... well, if they could just get a whiff of his enthusiasm and positivity, who knows. Still, most of the players today no longer breathe the air we all breathe every day.

Will Mabon 61Posted
12/10/2017 at
20:24:46

Upton Park was unfriendly. I visited the old Den, Millwall with a friend from London, and that was pretty wild. Worst I ever went to? Elland Road, by far.

Dermot Byrne 62Posted
12/10/2017 at
20:29:12

Good point, Ray.

However minority and majority views changes in the fanbase and occasionally on here.

Thank God for being fickle. Mike and Lyndon would have no site otherwise.

Tony Marsh 63Posted
12/10/2017 at
20:35:59

Ray @ 50

No problem, mate. Whatever we said, it sparked an off-thread debate which I have enjoyed. I loved football in the 1980s even the times we were shit.

Much more of a level playing field back then and no foreign mercenaries.. Grounds were empty and shit but it was more of a togetherness. It was still a working man's game. Now it has gone way beyond Roy Keane's prawn sandwich brigade. We're at the caviar and truffles stage now... I hate it.

Neil Copeland 64Posted
12/10/2017 at
20:46:45

I remember watching us beat Utd 3-0 at Old Trafford in a League Cup QF 1977. We were in the Scoreboard End and getting showered by everything imaginable from Mancs in the stands. As we scored the third around 50,000 unhappy home supporters were telling us we were going to effing die. Leaving the ground we had hold of a police horse tail leading us between lines of our would be assassins.

I also had some scary moments at St Andrews and the Victoria Ground, Stoke but have to agree that Elland Road was probably the worst.

By the way does anyone remember the FA Cup tie away at Notts County in the 80s when we outnumbered (at least very close to it) the home support - we won 2-1?

Ray Roche 65Posted
12/10/2017 at
21:02:46

Tony, no worries, the "cut and thrust of political debate" can lighten up a dull and boring day! Just because we don't all agree with each other doesn't make us less passionate about our love for the Blues.

I wish they'd put a cap on the number of foreign players you can field. Lookman, Davies Dowell etc could all benefit from that sort of thing and, although I am not bothered about England (London FC), the national team would probably benefit as well. And maybe the caviar and truffles would lose out to fish and chips from the Goodison Supper Bar.

Tom Bowers 66Posted
12/10/2017 at
21:19:50

For everyone's sake I would love this guy to be the answer, at least in he short term. He's not blessed with speed but neither was Lukaku.

God knows the options are limited at the moment and he should start at Brighton alongside Calvert-Lewin.

On the scoring stakes only Swansea (3 goals) and Palace (0 goals) have scored less then Everton. If that isn't a sad indictment of Koeman's management, I don't know what is.

Clive Rogers 67Posted
12/10/2017 at
22:13:11

Niasse was poor against Burnley and was correctly pulled in the 2nd half. His technique is poor and he doesn't lead the line at all. Every time he tried to dribble, the defender took the ball off him quite easily.

His only pluses really are getting in the box and his shooting. He would probably take a clear chance but is not the long-term answer.

Neil Copeland 68Posted
12/10/2017 at
22:17:23

Clive (#67), agreed although another plus is the effort that he puts in. I think he makes a decent impact player coming on as a sub.

Brian Williams 69Posted
12/10/2017 at
22:17:48

Well said, Clive. My thoughts exactly.

He took the goals against Bournemouth well but IMO he's still not a premier league player and some of the things he did against Burnley support Koeman's assessment of him, though not the treatment he received.

Is he good enough? IMO, no!

Nicholas Ryan 70Posted
12/10/2017 at
23:16:20

I accept everything that people are saying about his technical abilities (or lack thereof), but, at the moment, this lad has a return this season, of 2 Premier League goals from 1 Premier League start!

Geoff Lambert 71Posted
13/10/2017 at
00:21:58

Will (#61), I agree. Getting through that tunnel under the motorway and the mob at the other side was quite formidable.

Darren Hind 72Posted
12/10/2017 at
00:41:24

"Handstands throw-in"

Reminded me of Ian Hutchison, the Chelsea player of the early 70s, Ray.

As many will remember, He would run up to take a throw in as if he was tossing a caber. He would launch these wild throw ins over his head that had everything to do with distance and very little to do with control. He would then spend five seconds doing a double windmill trying desperately hard to make sure his momentum didn't take him over the line.

He did it in front of Goodison road one time and it was headed back out over his head. A little scally (couldn't have been no more than 6 or 7) obviously hadn't seen him do it on MotD before, retrieved it from behind the wall, threw it back to him and shouted in an incredulous tone "What the fucks all that about?" ... Still makes me laugh as I type it nearly 50 years later.

A truly bizarre sight, made even more difficult to understand by the fact that he was a very decent player who could hold his own in a very decent Chelsea side.

Paul Ferry 73Posted
13/10/2017 at
02:15:51

Anyone who was at Kenny High Street in 1978 would say, I'm sure, that that was the hairiest away day at a very hairy time. We went down on the ordinary.

Remember having to walk behind the Chelsea to get to our section and we got no police escort at all to do that  'if you're fucking hard enough to come down here scouse then you're hard enough to walk through them'.

The worst thing was Ronny Corbett - remember him the blue who went everywhere and was the spitting image of RC  slumped on the platform blood pouring out his eye, he'd been stabbed.

Does anyone remember Indian Joe aka Charlie Bronson, he was a hero that day. And then they made us walk to Euston without much going off if I remember... although am I right in remembering, as we got to Euston, Tottenham fans coming off a train from Manchester?

There were Newcastle lads on the train home; they had been at Millwall, I think it was Newcastle. Good bunch of lads.

It was a nice feeling to get home to Lime Street and straight over the road to the Crown.

The November 3-2 was another hot one! Never seen so many lads in the enclosure.

Funny that some of us were at Kenny Road that day; might have said a word or two to each other!

As I mentioned earlier, to go to the game in them days, you had to deal with the inevitable welcoming committees from the Chicken Run, Northbank etc. Horrible walk from the ground to the Seven Sisters, up the Seven Sisters Road.

Anyone who went to the game had to negotiate their way up that road,another naughty one was the walk back to Fulham Broadway, a short distance but they would pick you off and as you say no police to be seen.

Didn't stop us going back next season though, eh mate.

Paul Ferry 75Posted
13/10/2017 at
05:17:31

Ha no John mate, it didn't, we went back each year. Seven Sisters was horrid at times but I'll never forget when we 'won the league' on 3 April 1985.

A wonderful night; we filled that end. Neville was magnificent, Tricky was sublime. Seven Sisters was a sea of blue although we no longer wore colours. Ta, great memories.

Oh, hairy days, can I chuck in a vote for 'Boro away in the FA Cup 1978 and Man Utd the 3-0 League Cup win at their gaff in winter 1976 – my first ever away match!

Brian Murray 76Posted
13/10/2017 at
06:06:28

Neil Copeland (#64),

I was at the old Trafford game with my older bro, got right through the knuckle draggers until getting on the coach my bro used his training at Theresa's Boxing to good use when confronted by a manic wile trying to get me on the coach.

By this time hardly a window left intact. I thought it was our year and went to the semi at Bolton and the 3 finals until daft arse Lawson and Darracott made sure Bill's legacy started long before him. Although, as the Latch says in his book, we were only a goalkeeper away from being champions, usual nearly men.

Darren Hind 77Posted
13/10/2017 at
06:36:08

Some funny memories on here.

Anyone claiming to have gotten a hard ride from people who called themselves the "chicken run" is just embarrassing themselves. The chicken run was a terrace which generated an incredibly hostile atmosphere because it was so close to the pitch and was populated by thousands of your archetypal mouthy cockneys., it was so called because of the wire which ran down the length of it. To suggest you "did it" is like saying you did the Bullens Road... doesn't make sense.

You could tell who the West Ham "firm" were by the fact they would be either side of the away support screaming abuse. They still do it.

Same with the North Bank  a vast terrace mainly populated by ordinary fans. The "hard men" as in most grounds back then, would congregate either side of the away fans in the arl scoreboard end.

Personally I preferred a bevy. When going to Spurs, we used to go change trains, get off in Haringey and straight into the Irish Centre. I never saw any trouble.

As for Fulham Broadway? Always, always lots of bizzies. I never missed a game at Chelsea for years and not once did I see any trouble, straight off and an easy stroll to the Fulham Workies. Never any trouble in there; always popular with Evertonians, it was about 3 minutes stroll to the away end.

As Paul Ferry points out, these were hairy times, you had to have your wits about you. Nowhere was safe... but to find trouble at all the London grounds you will have had to have looked for it. Either that or you've read too many Green Streets.

John G Davies 78Posted
13/10/2017 at
07:21:56

"I did Hong Kong last year."

What the whole territory? Fuck me, you must have been a hard case. 😀

Tony Farrell 79Posted
13/10/2017 at
07:28:52

Niel (#64), Yes Notts County away in the FA Cup The most outstanding feature about that game for me was, when you entered the ground from the street, we were confronted by a huge earthen bank. It had been pissing down most of the day so this bank eventually turned into a mud slide.

Having had a few sherberts, some of the lads try to climb it but, sure enough, they never made it and came sliding down. This became a scene from a David Attenborough documentary with Evertonians emulating a herd of wilderbeasts and making the noises of the said animals.

I pissed myself laughing watching these lads scrambling up the bank and sliding down again covered in shite. Even the local bizzies couldn't stop themselves having a chuckle. Happy days, I still laugh when I think back to that great day.

John G Davies 80Posted
13/10/2017 at
07:30:35

Paul (#75),

A pity we didn't have the benefit of advice from a worldy wise little scouser. We could have swerved it.

Boro away a naughty one. I recall parking by the greyhound track at Leeds one year and walking into a gang all dressed up as Clockwork Orange. Another eventful night.

As you say mate, different times.

Will Mabon 81Posted
13/10/2017 at
07:38:31

If you never saw trouble at Chelsea, you had a lucky run, Darren. You're right in that you could look for it or try to avoid it, but it didn't always work.

Not all the police behaved as they should back in those days, either. If anyone reading here was in the group nabbed by the cops at Bramall Lane in '74, they'll know exactly what I mean.

Darren's spot on about London grounds. The only way to do the "chicken run" was to run down the side of the pitch; it's difficult to see how anybody, other than a player could have done it.

I also think Mr Ferry is spot on. There were some very nasty hostile places to visit back then, but I think those who seem to have found trouble everywhere either looked for it, or are now trying to show their "credentials" by wearing it as some sort of badge of honour.

John G Davies 84Posted
13/10/2017 at
07:54:37

Another Benghazi. Apologies for the roimin slang.

Colin Glassar 85Posted
13/10/2017 at
07:58:26

Do we have a game this weekend?

Will Mabon 86Posted
13/10/2017 at
07:59:38

Bladdy soopah, John - twemendous, me old choina. Fanks for the 'eads ap.

Will Mabon 87Posted
13/10/2017 at
08:00:59

Colin - I don't know, no-one's mentioned it.

John G Davies 88Posted
13/10/2017 at
08:12:30

You're welcome, me old China.

I always tried to find a nuclear away from the ground. A few pigs then off to the game. Bottle and glass gone a few times, kicked in the orchestras a few times, but a price worf paying.

Colin Glassar 89Posted
13/10/2017 at
08:14:42

Feels like the close-season, Will.

Dave Wilson 90Posted
13/10/2017 at
09:25:48

John G (#84),

So anyone who chose to avoid these moronic cowardly Knuckle dragging charges that infested the game in the 70s and early 80s and chose to enjoy a beer instead, is to your mind a "Benghazi"?

Interesting notion from somebody who claims to have done the "chicken run". Assuming you are in you are late fifties/ sixties and you did this chicken run, why don't you try explain what it entailed and how brave you had to be to do it, rather than try to hone a hard man image and embarrass yourself with some very iffy Rhyming slang

John G Davies 91Posted
13/10/2017 at
10:09:40

Sarcasm, Dave. Lowest form of wit, I know. I did my very best to avoid it. I was alluding to the areas where the opposition fans gathered.

Hone a hard man image? Hardly.

The rhyming slang wasn't aimed at you.

Eric Myles 92Posted
13/10/2017 at
11:47:08

Well said, Christine (#18). Niasse could have easily taken the hump, feigned injury, put his feet up and taken the money. Instead he happily played for the U23s and is ready to do a job for the first team when called upon.

Whether he has the ability or not, he certainly has a better attitude and work ethic than most overpaid prima donnas in our Club and other clubs.

Terry Underwood 93Posted
13/10/2017 at
15:24:23

Everybody knows we are desperate for a striker. Prices will be inflated, go on Oumar, score them goals. Trip over, fall on your arse and get the ball in the net somehow and you will feel the love. The reaction to your goals against Bournemouth just shows, we want you to do well.

Neil Copeland 94Posted
13/10/2017 at
19:04:31

Brian (#76), yes I was at Burnden Park as well. Latch missed a pen I think but we still won 1-0. Also went to the 3 finals. I remember standing on the platform at Wembley Central I think it was swapping insults with the Villa supporters on the opposite side after the 0-0 draw at Wembley.

Tony #79, it was like a bog snorkelling scene or something from Glastonbury  hilarious.

Did anyone go to Newcastle away one Boxing Day in the mid 80s (sorry I am rubbish with dates)? I went with a mate in the car and neither of us had been before so we had no idea where to go and there with a few minutes to spare.

I had a flash of genius and stopped the car by the Gallacher End to ask which end was away. Should have heard the insults, I don't think I have ever driven so fast through a crowd of people in my life.

At the end of the game which we won 4-0 and really took the piss, we had to work our way through the home support to the car parked in a grassed area about a mile away. We somehow managed it in one piece.

Neil Copeland 95Posted
13/10/2017 at
19:09:20

Terry (#93), absolutely! I went to the Bournemouth game fearing the worst and expecting another dour performance. Although the performance was not good, Oumar lit the place up and suddenly things were looking up again if only for a brief moment.

Brian Murray 96Posted
14/10/2017 at
07:26:32

Neil Copeland (post 94).

Burnden Park in soaked but happy away end, Mackenzie missed a penalty which would've eased nerves, the only game I seen where pin shoulders Lawson was inspired. Boss cross from Goodlass for Latchford's goal. Same night I think Red Shiesters beat St Etiene in a European Cup semi-final (nothing changes).

The Boxing Day 4-0, I was there and Tricky was unplayable with Inchy, title year 1987. We only had maybe two thousand there, Paul Power opened scoring. Happy days waiting the blue dominance for years to come...

This then of course means that you are getting a lot less sleep every week, and it means that you are getting a lot less time to relax as well. Immediately then you are getting sleep deprivation to an extent and that's on top of the fact that you won't be able to sleep as well once you do try and get your sleep.

This then means that other than the social effects of not getting any sleep you will be dealing with the effects of having far less sleep and these are many. Below are just a selection of those side effects: